After last year's mass defection of defensive line prospects when it came time to sign their letters of intent for USC, the coaching staff has made that unit a primary focus for this year's effort in recruiting.

To that end, recruiting coordinator Ed Orgeron and his department have extended scholarship offers to 13 prospects according to Scout.com, including 10 defensive ends that fit into defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast's 5-2 scheme as hybrid linebackers.

This slide show will look at some of these high-profile recruits as USC attempts to re-stock a unit in desperate need of replenishing.

It is also worth noting that Orgeron also coaches this unit and his hand in the offers extended should serve as an illustration of exactly who he would like to coach in the years ahead.

Malik McDowell (Defensive End)

At 6'6", 300 pounds, Malik McDowell is not your prototypical defensive end, and if this guy keeps growing, he will likely wind up on the interior. But for now, he is creating havoc at a position of need for the Trojans.

Quick enough to get around blockers but strong enough to bull them over, the Detroit, Mich., native is a game changer on the defense.

In terms of his recruiting, McDowell holds over 20 offers, including those from some of the best programs in the nation and calls them all "medium" in terms of his interest.

Rashaan Evans (Defensive End/Outside Linebacker)

Hailing from Auburn, Ala., Rashaan Evans is a combo defensive player who is listed as an outside linebacker but also plays defensive end as well.

Though undersized at 6'3", 214 pounds, Evans makes up for it with supreme athleticism and great (4.47 40) speed.

Another player whose frame will allow him to put on weight at the next level, the primary concern for USC would be to draw him away from Alabama or hometown Auburn, both of which have offered scholarships.